"Look at the true greats of the game – Krajicek, Kodes, Savitt and McKinley," the eight-time slam winner told the assembled media. "They were all fine Wimbledon champions whose names need no introduction.

"Compare them with the imposters who won the French: pushers like B. Borg, R. Laver and R. Federer – I mean, who are these guys? Clay is for lightweights playing powderpuff Europiffery. And it turns your socks pink."